Embedding device in substrate cavity

ABSTRACT

An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to reduce interconnect length between devices. A cavity is formed in a substrate having a substrate surface. The cavity has a depth. A first device having a device surface and a thickness is placed into the cavity. The thickness matches the depth such that the device surface is approximately planar with the substrate surface. The first device is attached to a second device via bumps on the second device.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of semiconductor, andmore specifically, to semiconductor fabrication.

2. Description of Related Art

The performance of microprocessors depends on a number of factors. Oneimportant factor is the propagation delay caused by interconnectionwires. A long interconnection wiring pattern may increase straycapacitances, leading to degradation of signal quality and increasedpropagation delay. When a processor is connected to devices such asmemory devices or a chipset, this increased propagation delay may reducethe operating frequency of the processor.

Existing techniques to reduce interconnect distance between a processorand peripheral devices have a number of disadvantages. One techniqueroutes the signal traces through the substrate by a flexible circuitlayer. This technique is not cost effective, requiring the fabricationof the flexible circuit layer. In addition, it may not reduce straycapacitances significantly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of invention may best be understood by referring to thefollowing description and accompanying drawings that are used toillustrate embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a circuit board fabrication process inwhich one embodiment of the invention can be practiced.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a system according to one embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a structure of interconnected devicesaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a substrate according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating forming a cavity using drillingaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a first stage of forming cavityaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a second stage of forming cavityaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a third stage of forming cavityaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4D is a diagram illustrating a fourth stage of forming cavityaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4E is a diagram illustrating a fifth stage of forming cavityaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4F is a diagram illustrating a sixth stage of forming cavityaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process to reduce interconnectionlength between two devices according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process to form a cavity usingdirect drilling according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process to form a cavity using semiadditive process according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process to attach devices accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to reduceinterconnection length between devices. A cavity is formed in asubstrate having a substrate surface. The cavity has a depth. A firstdevice having a device surface and a thickness is placed into thecavity. The thickness matches the depth such that the device surface isapproximately planar with the substrate surface. The first device isattached to a second device via bumps on the second device.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth.However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knowncircuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown to avoidobscuring the understanding of this description.

One embodiment of the invention may be described as a process which isusually depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, ora block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as asequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallelor concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may bere-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed.A process may correspond to a method, a program, a procedure, a methodof manufacturing or fabrication, etc.

An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to reduceinterconnection length between devices. A first device is placed in acavity of a substrate of a circuit board. A second device is placedpartly on the substrate and partly on the first device. The two devicesare connected or attached together via bumps formed on both devices. Thetechnique achieves the shortest interconnection length between the twodevices by directly attaching the two devices together via a flip-chipattaching process. The cavity of the substrate may be formed by twomethods. In the first method, a substrate is created with the suitablelayers and interconnect patterns as usual. Then, the substrate isdrilled or etched away using any one of an etching process, a laserdrilling, and a mechanical drilling bit, to form a cavity. The depth andwidth of the cavity match the size of the first device such that when itis placed inside the cavity, its surface is approximately planar withthe substrate surface. In the second method, a semi additive process(SAP) is iteratively performed with a dry resist film (DRF) until thedesired cavity depth is reached.

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a circuit board fabrication process 10in which one embodiment of the invention can be practiced. The process10 includes a computer aided design (CAD) phase 15, an inner layer andbonding phase 20, a drilling phase 25, an electroless plating phase 30,an outer layer printing phase 35, an electrolytic plating phase 40, anetching and stripping phase 45, a solder mask phase 50, a legend phase55, a final routing phase 60, and a test, inspection, and qualitycontrol phase 65.

During the CAD phase 15, the patterns for the circuits, solder mask,etc. are created with the CAD or electronic design automation (EDA)tools. The design tool typically routes the signal traces on severallayers and creates digital data representing the layout of the circuit.An artwork is created from the digital data to photo tools. The digitaldata are also used in controlling the drilling and testing of the board.

During the inner layer and bonding phase 20, an inner-layer panelconsisting of epoxy base materials is covered by metal foils, such ascopper foils. A layer of photo-resist material is applied to both sidesof the panel. The circuit image created by the CAD phase 15 is placedover the photo-resist layer. The resist is then exposed to ultra violet(UV) light. The resist under the dark area becomes soft and the resistunder the clear area becomes hardened. The panel is then passed througha developing process which removes the soft resist and leaves thehardened resist. The hardened resist protects the copper beneath it. Thehardened resist is then stripped, leaving the copper lines on the basematerial, or substrate core. An oxide process may then used to improveadhesion of the layers by forming a dark crystalline structure. Anymoisture is then removed by baking. The layers are then bonded togetherby heat and/or pressure. Dielectric layers may be deposited between thelayers.

During the drilling phase 25, the panel is drilled using the CAD data toform holes. The drilling may be performed by automated drilling machineswith placement controlled by a drill file from the CAD phase 15. Thedrilling may also be performed with laser drilling. Plated-through holes(PTH) may be formed to provide electrical connections between thevarious layers in the board. Non plated through holes may be formed toattach connectors or other devices. During the electroless plating phase30, electroless copper plating is performed to provide electricalinterconnections to all copper interfaces. During the outer layerprinting phase 35, a photo-resist layer is applied to the panel surfaceand a photo exposure process is performed using the CAD data. The panelis then developed to remove undesired resist. During the electrolyticplating phase 40, an electrolytic copper plating builds up the copperplating thickness in the holes and the traces.

During the etching and stripping phase 45, in one embodiment, aprotective layer, such as tin, is plated over surface of the copper toprotect the copper lines from etching. The resist is then stripped off,and the exposed copper not protected by tin is etched away leaving thedesired circuit pattern. The protective layer is then stripped off toleave the exposed copper circuitry. As will be discussed later, inanother embodiment, a semi additive process (SAP) may be employed duringthis phase to form a cavity in the substrate.

During the solder mask phase 50, a liquid photo imageable solder mask isused to protect the circuits and provides electrical insulation. Anytechnique to coat the solder mask may be used such as curtain coating,electrostatic spraying, or screen coating. A photo tool is placed overthe panel. The solder mask is then exposed to UV light and the panel isdeveloped to wash away the unexposed solder mask. The solder mask isthen cured.

During the legend phase 55, the legends or labels are printed on thepanel using a printing process such as a silk screening process. Thesilk screen text may indicate component designators, test points, or anyother labels. During the final routing phase 60, a route bit may be usedto cut or trim the panel to the desired board contour. During the test,inspection, and quality control phase 65, the electrical integrity ofthe circuit is tested using a test fixture. A final inspection checksfor visual defects.

In one embodiment, after the circuit board is created, a cavity may beformed by etching an area of the substrate. In another embodiment, acavity may be formed using a SAP in the electroless plating phase 30,the electrolytic plating phase 40, and the etching and stripping phase45. A laser drilling or etching may be employed to etch the substrate toform a cavity. After the cavity is formed, a first device is placed intothe cavity. Solder bumps are then formed on the first device and thesubstrate. During the component placement phase, a second device isattached to the first device by reflowing the bumps on the second deviceand the bumps formed on the substrate and the first device.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a system 100 according to oneembodiment of the invention. The system 100 represents a mobilecommunication module. It includes a system on package (SOP) 110, anintermediate frequency processing unit 160, and a base-band processingunit 170.

The SOP 110 represents the front end processing unit for the mobilecommunication module. It is a transceiver incorporating on-packageintegrated lumped passive components as well as radio frequency (RF)components. It includes an antenna 115, a duplexer 120, a filter 125, asystem-on-chip (SOC) 150, a power amplifier (PA) 180, and a filter 185.

The antenna 115 receives and transmits RF signals. The RF signals may beconverted to digital data for processing in subsequent stages. It isdesigned in compact micro-strip and strip-line for L and C-band wirelessapplications. The duplexer 120 acts as a switch to couple to the antenna115 to the receiver and the transmitter to the antenna 115. The filters125 and 185 are C-band LTCC-strip-line filter or multilayer organiclumped-element filter at 5.2 GHz and narrowband performance of 200 MHzsuitable for the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN). The SOC 150 includes a lownoise amplifier (LNA) 130, a down converter 135, a local voltagecontrolled oscillator (VCO) 140, an up converter 171, and a driveramplifier 175. The LNA 130 amplifies the received signal. The downconverter 135 is a mixer to convert the RF signal to the IF band to beprocessed by the IF processing unit 160. The up converter 171 is a mixerto convert the IF signal to the proper RF signal for transmission. TheVCO 140 generates modulation signal at appropriate frequencies for downconversion and up conversion. The driver amplifier 175 drives the PA180. The PA 180 amplifies the transmit signal for transmission.

The IF processing unit 160 includes analog components to process IFsignals for receiving and transmission. It may include a band-passfilter and a low pass filter at suitable frequency bands. The filter mayprovide base-band signal to the base-band processing unit 170. Thebase-band processing unit 170 may include an analog-to-digital converter(ADC) 172, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 174, a digital signalprocessor (DSP) 176, and a memory device 178. The ADC 172 and the DAC174 are used to convert analog signals to digital data and digital datato analog signal, respectively. The DSP 176 is a programmable processorthat may execute a program to process the digital data. The DSP 176 maybe packaged using Flip-Chip Ball Grid Array (FCBGA) packaging technologyor any other suitable packaging technologies. The base-band processingunit 170 may also include other memory and peripheral components. TheDSP 176 may, therefore, be coupled to the front end processing unit viathe IF processing unit 160 and/or the base-band processing unit 170 toprocess the digital data.

The SOP 110 may be a multi-layer three-dimensional (3D) architecture fora monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) with embedded passives(EP) technology. It may be implemented using Low Temperature Co-firedCeramics (LTCC) and organic-based technologies. The base-band processingunit 170 may be implemented on a circuit board. The DSP 176 and thememory device 178 may form a structure 190. The memory device 178 may beembedded inside the circuit board, such as being placed in a cavity. TheDSP 176 may be connected to the memory device 178 by direct reflowing.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the structure 190 of interconnecteddevices according to one embodiment of the invention. The structure 190includes a substrate 210, a first device 220, and a second device 230.

The substrate 210 has a substrate surface 215, a cavity 240, a platedthrough hole (PTH) 245, a substrate core 250, a metal layer 260, and aninterconnect layer 270. The substrate surface 215 is around the cavity240. It has contact pads and solder bumps 280 deposited on the contactpads. The solder bumps 280 on the substrate surface 215 are used toattach to the second device 230. The cavity 240 has a depth D and awidth W. The depth D and the width W are selected to match the size ofthe first device 220. The PTH 245 connects the metal layers inside thesubstrate 210. The substrate core 250 is made of materials such as FR-4.It may consist of a woven fiberglass mat and a flame resistant epoxyresin. The metal layer 260 may be a copper layer. It providesconnectivity to various layers in the substrate 210. The interconnectlayer 270 has plated metal such as copper to provide interconnections tovarious layers in the substrate 210 and the first device 230.

The first device 220 is placed inside the cavity 240. It has a devicesurface 225 and a thickness H. Around the first device 220 and insidethe cavity 240 is solder resist 265 to provide support and sealing forthe first device 220. The first device 220 is therefore embedded in thesubstrate 210. The solder resist 265 may also be used to form solderbumps 285 with contact pads connecting to the first device 220. Thesolder bumps 285 are used to attach the first device 220 to the seconddevice 230. The depth D of the cavity 240 is selected to match thethickness H of the first device 220 such that when the first device 220is placed inside the cavity 240, the device surface 225 is approximatelyplanar with the substrate surface 215. Typically, the cavity depth D isapproximately equal to the thickness H and the height of the solderresist deposited on top of the first device 220. The solder bumps 285and the solder bumps 280 are aligned or planar so that when the seconddevice 230 is attached to the substrate 210 and the first device 220, itis positioned on a flat surface. The first device 220 may be any devicethat needs to have a short interconnection distance to the second device230. In one embodiment, it is the memory device such as the memorydevice 178 in FIG. 1B.

The second device 230 has bumps on its surface. In one embodiment, thebumps are stud bumps. The stud bumps may be made of gold and placed onthe die bond pads of the second device 230. The gold stud bumps may beflattened or coined by mechanical pressure to provide a flatter topsurface and more uniform bump heights. During component placement, thesecond device 230 is attached to the substrate 210 and the first device240 via the bumps on the second device 230 and the solder bumps 280 and285. The attachment may be made by reflowing, adhesives, or ultrasonicassembly. As described above, the depth D of the cavity 240 is selectedaccording to the thickness H of the first device 220 and the height ofthe solder resist on top of the first device 220. The second device 230is any device that may need the shortest interconnection distance to thefirst device 220. In one embodiment, it is the processor 176 shown inFIG. 1B.

The cavity 240 may be formed using one of two methods. FIGS. 3A and 3Bshow the first method. FIGS. 4A through 4F show the second method.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating the substrate 210 according to oneembodiment of the invention.

The substrate 210 is formed using conventional fabrication methods. Itincludes the substrate core 250, the metal (e.g., copper) layer 260, adielectric layer 310, and a solder resist layer 320. Variousinterconnect patterns are formed in the substrate 210.

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating forming a cavity using drillingaccording to one embodiment of the invention. The dielectric layer 310and the solder resist layer 320 may be drilled to form the cavity 240using one of an etching process, a laser drilling, and a mechanicaldrilling bit. In one embodiment, the drilling is performed using a drillbit 350. The drill bit 350 is a precision mechanical route bit. Itroutes the cavity 240 until the desired depth D and width W have beenachieved.

FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a first stage of forming cavityaccording to one embodiment of the invention. In this stage, the metallayer 260 is deposited on the substrate core 250. Then, the dielectriclayer 310 is deposited on the metal layer 260. The dielectric layer 310is then etched or drilled to form an initial cavity 410 using laserdrilling. The laser drilling uses a focused beam to ablate away thedielectric layer 310. Several laser processes may be used. Examples ofthese laser processes may include carbon dioxide (CO₂), Neodymium-dopedyttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) (Nd:YAG), YAG/ultraviolet (UV), orexcimer lasers. The CO₂ laser may operate at 9.3 to 10.6 μm. The YAG/UVmay operate in the range 351-355 nm. The excimer laser may operate at157 nm (F₂), 193 nm (ArF), 222 nm (KrCl), 248 nm (KrF), 308 nm (XeCl),or 351 nm (XeF).

FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a second stage of forming cavityaccording to one embodiment of the invention. In this stage, a dry filmresist (DFR) 420 is deposited on the drilled dielectric layer 310. Thedry film resist 420 is made of a coating material in the form oflaminated photosensitive sheets. It is resistant to variouselectroplating and etching processes. The lamination of the dry filmresist 420 may be performed using a tenting method. Before the DFRtenting, electroless copper is plated on the dielectric layer 310.

FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a third stage of forming cavityaccording to one embodiment of the invention. The DFR 420 is exposedwith lithography equipment and then is developed. Electrolytic copperplating and quick etching may be performed using a semi additive process(SAP). Metal traces 430 are formed on the dielectric layer 310.

FIG. 4D is a diagram illustrating a fourth stage of forming cavityaccording to one embodiment of the invention. In this stage, vias 450may then be formed by laser drilling in the dielectric layer. A cavity455 may be formed by laser drilling. A DFR 440 may then be deposited.

FIG. 4E is a diagram illustrating a fifth stage of forming cavityaccording to one embodiment of the invention. In this stage, patterningand electrolytic copper plating and quick etching may be performed withthe SAP. Metal plating 460 may then be formed.

FIG. 4F is a diagram illustrating a sixth stage of forming cavityaccording to one embodiment of the invention. The stages shown in FIG.4B through 4E may be repeated as necessary to achieve the desired cavitydepth D. In the end, when this desired depth reached, the DFR is removedto expose the cavity 240. The substrate 210 has a final solder resistlayer 470, appropriate metal plates, and interconnection patterns.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process 500 to reduceinterconnection length between two devices according to one embodimentof the invention.

Upon START, the process 500 forms a cavity in a substrate having asubstrate surface (Block 510). The cavity has a depth and a widthfitting a first device. Next, the process 500 places the first devicehaving a device surface and a thickness into the cavity (Block 520). Thethickness matches the depth of the cavity such that the device surfaceis approximately planar with the substrate surface. The cavity may beformed using one of two techniques. The first technique is illustratedin FIG. 6 and the second technique is illustrated in FIG. 7.

Then, the process 500 attaches the first device to a second device viabumps on the second device (Block 530). The bumps on the second devicemay be stud bumps. The stud bumps may be made of gold places on the diebond pads of the second device. The process 500 is then terminated.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the process 510 shown in FIG. 5 toform a cavity using direct drilling according to one embodiment of theinvention.

Upon START, the process 510 deposits a metal layer on a substrate core(Block 610). Next, the process 510 deposits a dielectric layer on themetal layer (Block 620). Then, the process 510 deposits a solder resiston the dielectric layer (Block 630).

Next, the process 510 routes the cavity to fit the first device (Block640), i.e., when the desired depth and width have been reached. Therouting may be performed by drilling the solder resist and thedielectric layer using one of an etching process, a laser drilling, anda mechanical drilling bit. The etching process may be a wet etching or adry etching (including isotropic etching or anisotropic etching). Theprocess 510 is then terminated.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process 510 to form a cavityusing semi additive process according to one embodiment of theinvention.

Upon START, the process 510 deposits a metal layer on a substrate core(Block 710). Next, the process 510 deposits a dielectric layer on themetal layer (Block 720). Then, the process 510 drills the dielectriclayer using a laser (Block 730). The drilling forms an initial cavitywith the desired width and an initial depth.

Next, the process 510 plates electroless metal (e.g., copper) on thedrilled dielectric layer (Block 740). Then, the process 510 laminates adry film resist (DFR) on the metal plated dielectric layer (Block 750).Next, the process 510 patterns interconnect with electrolytic metalplating using semi additive process (SAP) (Block 760).

Then, the process 510 determines if the desired cavity depth has beenreached (Block 770). If not, the process 510 returns to Block 720 tocontinue the SAP to enlarge the cavity depth. Otherwise, the process 510etches or removes the final DFR to expose the cavity (Block 780). Theprocess 510 is then terminated.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the process 530 shown in FIG. 5 toattach devices according to one embodiment of the invention.

Upon START, the process 530 fills the cavity with a solder resist (Block810) to surround the first device. Then, the process 530 forms solderbumps on the substrate surface and on the solder resist on top of thefirst device at the device surface (Block 820). Next, the process 530reflows the bumps on the second device to the solder bumps on thesubstrate surface and the device surface (Block 830). The process 530 isthen terminated.

Embodiments of the invention have been described with a first deviceembedded in a substrate. The substrate has a substrate surface and acavity to house the first device. A second device is attached to thefirst device and the substrate surface via bumps on the second device.Since the interconnection between the two devices is made directlythrough the solder bumps, the interconnection length is shortest. Thisinterconnection method results in improved signal quality and reducespropagation delays between the first and second devices.

While the invention has been described in terms of several embodiments,those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention isnot limited to the embodiments described, but can be practiced withmodification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative insteadof limiting.

1-8. (canceled)
 9. An apparatus comprising: a substrate having a cavityand a substrate surface, the cavity having a depth; and a first devicehaving a device surface and a thickness placed inside the cavity, thethickness matching the depth such that the device surface isapproximately planar with the substrate surface; and a second deviceattached to the first device via a first plurality of bumps on thesecond device.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first device issurrounded by solder resist.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein thefirst device has device solder bumps on the solder resist on top of thedevice surface.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the second deviceis attached to the surface substrate via a second plurality of bumps onthe second device.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first deviceis a memory device and the second device is a processor.
 14. A systemcomprising: a front end processing unit to receive and transmit a radiofrequency (RF) signal, the RF signal being converted to digital data;and a circuit board coupled to the front end processing unit, thecircuit board having components to process the digital data, the circuitboard comprising: a substrate having a cavity and a substrate surface,the cavity having a depth, a first device having a device surface and athickness placed inside the cavity, the thickness matching the depthsuch that the device surface is approximately planar with the substratesurface, and a second device attached to the first device via a firstplurality of bumps on the second device.
 15. The system of claim 14wherein the first device is surrounded by solder resist.
 16. The systemof claim 15 wherein the first device has solder bumps on the solderresist on top of the device surface.
 17. The system of claim 14 whereinthe second device is attached to the surface substrate via a secondplurality of bumps on the second device.
 18. The system of claim 14wherein the first device is a memory device and the second device is aprocessor.
 19. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprises: solder resistaround the first device and inside the cavity to provide support andsealing for the first device.
 20. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein thesubstrate has substrate solder bumps on the substrate surface.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 20 wherein the device solder bumps and the substratesolder bumps are planar so that the second device is positioned on aflat surface when the second device is attached to the surface substrateand the first device.
 22. The system of claim 14 wherein the circuitboard further comprises: solder resist around the first device andinside the cavity to provide support and sealing for the first device.